Ex-RCI Head Chamblin Sues Two Commissioners

Tony Chamblin, who resigned earlier this year as president of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, has filed lawsuits against two racing commissioners. Chamblin alleges he was defamed in connection with statements circulated by the commissioners.

Dennis Lee, an attorney and a member of the Nebraska Racing Commission, is handling the case for Chamblin. Late Wednesday, Lee said the lawsuits are tied to letters circulated by Robin Williams, chairwoman of the Virginia Racing Commission, and Robert Hutchinson, chairman of the Massachusetts Racing Commission.

The letters, sent to various industry officials, questioned Chamblin's fiscal conduct as president of RCI. The suits were filed on Chamblin's behalf by attorney Brent Caldwell in Fayette County Circuit Court in Lexington.

"The reason Tony filed the suits is that the most valuable thing he has -- and all of us have -- is his reputation," Lee said. "Those letters did nothing but tarnish his reputation."

Chamblin's suits claim the statements circulated by Williams and Hutchinson have hindered his ability to find other work in the racing industry, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.